Policy Counsel -- The Constitution Project

THE CONSTITUTION PROJECT SEEKS POLICY COUNSEL FOR ITS RULE OF LAW PROGRAM The Constitution Project, a nonprofit public policy organization based in Washington, DC, seeks a Policy Counsel to work on a variety of issues relating to the Rule of Law. About Us The Constitution Project promotes and defends constitutional safeguards. Through its Rule of Law and Criminal Justice Programs, the Project promotes dialogue across ideological and partisan lines, bringing together prominent individuals from a variety of experiences to develop consensus recommendations for policy reforms. The Project then conducts policy advocacy and public education to promote the recommendations of these influential and unlikely allies, helping to transform this consensus into sound public policy. The Rule of Law Program addresses threats to the rule of law and to our constitutional safeguards, including national security polices developed after September 11 that reduce transparency and accountability and undermine fundamental principles of fairness and due process. Current issues include preventive detention for accused terrorists; the legal process for bringing terrorist suspects to justice; the responsibilities of the legislative and executive branches in determining whether to use force abroad; government secrecy, including the state secrets doctrine, secret law, and over-classification of government information; data collection and privacy; cybersecurity and government surveillance programs; the effect of broad interpretations of material support laws on peacebuilding and humanitarian aid; the impact of immigration programs and policies on individual constitutional rights; and extending Fourth Amendment safeguards into the Digital Age. About the Job The Policy Counsel will work with high-level experts to develop consensus reports and recommendations for policy reforms, and promote the reforms through advocacy and public education campaigns. The Policy Counsel will also work with prominent law firms on amicus briefs supporting the Project's policy goals in the courts, with allies in the advocacy community, and with Members of Congress and congressional staff in support of those goals. The position will likely include work on at least the following Issue areas: promoting incorporation of civil liberties safeguards in government surveillance programs and advocating for increased transparency for national security programs and policies. A competitive salary and benefits are available. We are seeking an experienced policy advocate. This is not an entry level position. Qualifications The position presents the opportunity to work on issues in the headlines in a challenging, fast-paced environment. Applicants should have: • A law degree from an accredited law school • At least 3 years' experience following law school graduation in legal and/or policy work • Substantial experience with policymaking or policy analysis • Outstanding research and writing skills • A proven ability to work as a member of a team and promote consensus among members of a group • The ability to manage competing demands Ideal candidates will have some combination of: • Experience working on constitutional issues • Knowledge of and expertise in issues addressed by TCP's Rule of Law Program • Experience in bipartisan environments • Experience on Capitol Hill or as a public policy advocate or civil liberties litigator • Experience with public speaking The Constitution Project is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome candidates who contribute to the diversity of our staff. More information about The Constitution Project is available atwww.constitutionproject.org Please submit a cover letter, résumé, references, and a writing sample to the attention of Scott Messinger, via email at smessinger@constitutionproject.org (including "LAST NAME - Rule of Law Policy Counsel Application" in the subject line).* *No phone calls please